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As Purchased …

A classic ‘barn find’ that actually is one.  Parked since 1990 in a dry barn by an owner who recently died at the age of 93.      I have no idea if it "ran when parked".  


The car is cosmetically rough but surprisingly complete and unusually solid - it needs much less bodywork than any other local car I’ve seen.  Better yet, other than a budget respray, it appears that it has not "restored" in the past.   That said, the front end has been worked on and the back edge of the bonnet was damaged from binding against the cowl. The left front fender may have been replaced.     

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The car is a GAN4 VIN, mfr date mid to late ‘68, with what appears to be its original 12CD 1275cc engine, which may or may not require a rebuild.  (currently siezed)  While titled as a '69, it appears to be a '68 model year.  Unfortunately there is no other documentation. 

Based on the VIN this car should have the lower axle ratio, positive earth,  dual-circuit brakes, and 6.5gal fuel tank.  Thankfully  It predates the side marker lights.  While I prefer the look of the earlier steel dash and seats, late ‘68 production for North America includes the ‘modern’ padded "pillow"  dash.  

With the help of the expert folks on MGEXP.COM  I've been able to determine that the following parts are not correct for the year:

  • later model seats
  • earlier model steering wheel.  
  • later model rear quarter-bumpers

The car has its original air filter boxes, jack, spare tire  and hold down.   The tonneau bar is in its original bag, though there is no tonneau cover.   The top cover appears to be serviceable, however the top is not .  It has its original grill, and the chrome bonnet strip is in place, but the side strips are plastic stick-on items.   Not sure if that was how it was done originally.

It has the decidedly un-modern original console and speaker and original or period radio.  There is a bracket mounted beneath the dash on the passengers' side.  Not sure what that's for.   The car may be missing the map shelf from the passengers' footwell.  The turn signal stalks and upper steering column are currently disassembled.  It is missing the right side cowling from the column.   The heater hose and fan are damaged beyond repair..  

The clutch master cylinder looks to have been replaced.   

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